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Whether you want to embody a specific character or simply go for a more generic model, there are some tips and tricks that you can do to make your acting more believable. Brush up on your anime or manga knowledge and get ready to emulate your character from head to toe!

Steps

Method1

Acting Like a Generic Character

1

Decide on a basic personality. Don’t worry: anime and manga characters are not much different from real people.There are shy characters, funny characters, sarcastic characters, and, of course, dastardly villainous characters. Even if you aren't imitating a specific character, having some sort of base personality in mind will help. Once you have a base to work off of, you can add the extras that make the character more anime or manga-like and really pop.

Don't know what sort of personality to choose? Try picking one opposite to your own for a fun, added challenge. If you are shy, try acting like a bold or hyper character.

Consider basing your character's personality off of an existing one. For example, you could be cold like Sephiroth from "Final Fantasy 7."

2

Exaggerate your emotions. If you’re even a novice anime or manga fan, you’ve probably noticed that many of the characters' reactions are pretty extreme. Take your desired personality's basic traits, and exaggerate them. If you want to be happy, act extra happy. If you want to be cold or serious, act extra cold or serious. Take this as a fun opportunity to act outrageous and different than you normally would.

One of the most notable is Edward Elric from "Fullmetal Alchemist". He gets very upset whenever someone implies that he is short.

There are many emotionless archetypes as well. Instead of exaggerating your emotions, try concealing them and acting cool, calm, and collected.

3

Include some habits or gestures. Everyone has their own little habit or gesture, such as twirling their hair or a specific way of laughing. Anime and manga characters are no exception. One great example would be L's toe-rubbing in "Death Note." Even if you are acting like a generic character, you can make your acting more believable by including a unique habit or gesture. Have fun with it! If you’re a villain, you could stroke your beard or adopt an evil laugh. A stereotypical knight or hero could strike powerful poses and swing around a fake sword. Here are some more ideas to get your ideas flowing:

A sarcastic character may cock his eyebrow.

A shy girl may play with her hair.

An enthusiastic character may pump his fist into the air.

A tsundere may cross her arms or pout—especially when talking to her crush!

4

Have a trademark quote. Similar to habits and gestures, having a quote that you say often can help bring out the anime or manga vibes. Think of Naruto, whose catchphrase is, "Believe it!" Other words and phrases include things like: feh, meh, and baka (idiot). If you have a favorite anime or manga character, you can use some of their most common phrases as inspiration, or make up your own.

5

Try a tsundere character type if you want to explore two different sides. This is a fun opportunity to challenge yourself and play almost two different characters, so you’ll never get bored of just acting one way. Tsunderes are known for being calm and collected, except when they are around someone they like. In those cases, they are easily embarrassed and often act mean in order to hide their feelings.[1] They will help the one they like, but they will usually say something like:[2][3]

"It's not like I like you or anything."

"I'm only doing this because I like you. Don't get any funny ideas!"

If they accidentally touch someone they like, they might say: "It's not like I meant to do that. Don't take it personally!"

6

Choose a kuudere character type if you like to be calm, collected, and serious. Kuuderes are natural-born leaders who keep their cool in tough situations where everyone else is panicking. They tend to speak monotone and are afraid of showing their emotions or weakness.[4] They do have a soft side, however, which they show to the one person they trust, sometimes a love interest and sometimes not.[5]

Focus less on your emotions and more on the facts. That flower over there? Don't mention how it is beautiful or how it makes you feel. It's a red flower. The end!

Kuudere can be snarky or dry witted, a subtle and fun way to challenge your ability to act comedically.[7]

7

Go dandere if you don't mind being shy or a little antisocial. Deep down inside, Danderes may want to be social but are too shy or afraid to go out and open up. Once they get close to someone, they do open up, and are usually cutesy and optimistic.[8] Due to their quietness and shyness, they may come off as a little emotionless, but not cold as cold a kuudere.

A great way to act shy would be to utter phrases such as "uh" or "um." You could also stutter a bit and talk softly.

Most dandere won't speak unless spoken to, or unless they absolutely have to (i.e. being called on in class).[9]

You don't have to be completely antisocial. Many dandere have that one special person that they do talk to. Ask a fellow cosplay friend to be the one to bring your dandere character out of their shell and practice acting shy and flattered when they come around.[10]

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Method 1 Quiz

What unique challenge comes along with playing a tsundere character?

You only talk to one particular person.

Not exactly! A dandere character is more likely to be antisocial or shy, except when around one specific friend. A tsundere character comes with different challenges. Choose another answer!

You have to play two different characters.

That's right! Tsundere characters are normally calm and collected. Around their crush, however, tsundere characters get embarrassed and often cover it up by being mean. Thus, the challenge is in playing two characters! Read on for another quiz question.

You cannot show any emotion.

Try again! If you're looking to experiment with a character who doesn't show any emotion, you'll want to try a kuudere character, as they are known for being serious, calm and collected. Pick another answer!

You have to overact your emotions.

Not exactly! As an anime character, you're going to want to over exaggerate your emotions, ticks, and behaviors, no matter what type of character you are playing. While some may do so more than others, most anime characters are over-expressive. Choose another answer!

Method2

Acting Like a Specific Character

1

Choose a character. Most people find it easiest to portray a character who is similar to them personality-wise. On the other hand, some people find it easier, or a fun challenge, to portray a character who is the complete opposite.

Consider starting out with two characters: one who is similar to you and one who is completely different. If one is too hard to mimic, you can narrow it down to the easier one.

2

Study their scenes. If possible, try to read the manga and watch the anime. Take note of how your character reacts to different situations. Notice the range of their emotions and how they act when they are happy, sad, angry, or afraid. Study how the character acts around different characters: family, friends, enemies, strangers. This is a good excuse to watch your favorite anime and read the manga, so have fun with it!

If your character is stoic, pay extra attention. These characters will display their emotions subtly, so become a master of picking up the little details.

Don't stop at just the anime or manga. If they appear in a video game, watch cutscenes from the game!

3

Read up on your character online. The internet is full of information on anime and manga. Try to find the anime or manga's official site, and read up on your character. The better you know your character, the better you’ll be able to imitate them, understanding their personality and what makes them tick.

Unofficial or fan-created material can be helpful, but take it with a grain of salt, since many fans add their own interpretation of the character, which may not necessarily be canon.

4

Mimic your character's way of speaking. If you’re not one for accents, never fear: this doesn’t mean you have to mimic their voice, although you can certainly try! Instead, note how they talk. Do they talk slow or fast? Loud or soft? Does their voice display a full range of emotions or is it stoic and blank? Note any rises and falls of pitch. Work on your parroting skills and try to mimic these subtle intonations when you talk.

5

Learn some phrases. You can take things a step further by learning a few common phrases that your character says. If you aren't copying a particular character, you can learn a few basic words or phrases in Japanese. This is a great way to expose yourself to a new language and even learn to speak a bit of it!

6

Check your posture and body language. Acting is more than just talking and mimicking facial expressions--it’s fully embodying the way the character holds themselves, down to the tips of their fingers! Re-watch your character's scenes, and note how they stand, walk, or move. Shy characters may slouch and try to "hide" behind their hands. Confident or arrogant characters will often stand up straight, hold their heads up high, and puff their chests out. Embrace the silliness or melodrama of your character’s habits, and don’t be afraid to go over the top. That’s what makes cosplay fun!

Don't forget about their quirks! Does your character play with their hair or do a specific gesture? Take note of that!

7

Consider having a prop that the character is famous for. Is your character known for having a certain object with them? If so, consider carrying a similar object with you! A notable example is L from "Death Note", who is often depicted with a piece of cake. You could bring a prop slice of cake or real one of cake for a tasty snack. Another example is Nekozawa from "Ouran High School Host Club," who always has his Beelzenef puppet with him.

Don’t rely on the prop or let it do the work for you. Use it to enhance your acting and add the final little touch of authenticity.

Score0 / 0

Method 2 Quiz

Why is it important to pay extra attention to source material if you are playing a stoic character?

You'll need to get their outfit perfect.

Not quite! Of course, it's a lot of fun to cosplay, but don't worry so much about getting the outfit perfect. You're trying to figure out how to mimic the character, not their clothes. There’s a better option out there!

You need to pick up subtler details.

Correct! If you're interested in playing a more stoic or subdued character, you'll need to pay extra attention to the subtle clues and movements they make, in order to imitate them properly. Read on for another quiz question.

You'll need to memorize their dialogue.

Not exactly! Of course, it's a good idea to pick up on a few key phrases and catchlines! Still, you don't need to know every line they've ever said in order to play them. Guess again!

Method3

Knowing When to Hold Back

1

Understand that not everything is socially acceptable. Your character's behavior might be considered the norm in his or her world, but may not be in this one. Even in conventions, there are some behaviors that are frowned upon. This includes things like hitting, groping, swearing excessively, and so forth. Use your common sense: if you think an action may get you in trouble, it’s best not to do it.

If your character is very mean, consider downplaying that aspect of their personality or doing it in a joking way to avoid offending others. No one will want to compliment your costume or great acting skills if you’re too busy being cruel in character!

This doesn't mean that you can't act like your desired character at all. Mimic the good and downplay the bad.

2

Know when and when not to act like your character. While acting like an anime character may seem cool and fun, there are times when you need to take things more seriously. If you are around people who may not be familiar with the anime, or the fact that you are cosplaying, it is best to be yourself.

For example: fans of "Fullmetal Alchemist" might find it amusing if you rage about your lack of height like Edward Elric. Your doctor certainly will not.

3

Don't force people to play along. If you are cosplaying at a convention, some people may react to your acting and play along, especially if they are also cosplaying, but remember that not every cosplayer will. If you mimic your character and they don't respond, leave them be. There are be plenty of other cosplayers who will be happy and excited to act along with you.

Watch their body language for cues. If they seem uncomfortable or agitated, such as shuffling, looking around, or making excuses, leave them be.

4

Be yourself. Don’t get too caught up in role-playing and forget to be who you are! Remember, your friends chose you for who you are, and not the anime or manga character you are portraying.

At the same time, consider using some of your character's aspects to better yourself. For example, if your character is a great listener, try focusing on that aspect of your character outside of acting. In this way, cosplay won’t just be a fun hobby--it’ll also be a way to improve yourself.

Score0 / 0

Method 3 Quiz

How can focusing on the personality traits of the character you cosplay help you to better yourself when you're not in costume?

When cosplaying, you can talk to people you normally wouldn't.

Close! Cosplay can definitely make you feel more confident! Still, there are ways it can help improve the real you, even out of costume! Try another answer...

You can learn a lot from studying characters and personalities.

Not exactly! Of course, it's great to watch and understand body language and personality quirks. Still, there's a real-life, internal benefit to be had from cosplaying. Try again...

You can strengthen your real life skills with your anime strengths.

Correct! If your character is a great listener, confident person, or good studier, follow their example! Channel your character to have a great time and improve your real life self! Read on for another quiz question.

Community Q&A

This is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it is a good thing, because it means that your acting is good and recognizable. If they react to your acting as another character from the same manga or anime, play along!

If there's an anime character that has pink eyes, you could get pink contacts. If you wear glasses or not, only get prescribed ones. Sometimes you don't even need contacts, for example, Lucy Heartfilia has brown eyes, Alois Trancy has blue eyes, Tomoko Kuroki has green eyes. Next comes the makeup part. If you use false lashes, you should get the top ones to be very flouncy and bigger than the bottom ones. If the character is a certain type, i.e. yandere, dandere, tsundere, make the eyes reflect that. Yanderes could have more of a shadowy eyeliner, tsunderes have pointed/curved eyeliner. Depending on color, you should also use some light same-color eye shadow to make them really stand out.

Tips

You don't have to act like a manga or an anime character if you don't want to.

Don't give in to peer pressure. If all your friends are pressuring you into acting a certain way, ask them to stop.

Acting can be exhausting, so take breaks from the character to be yourself.

If you have a friend that is familiar with the character you're cosplaying as, you can ask for their assistance and listen to their suggestions.

You don't need to necessarily be exactly like the anime or manga character. Don't change who you are to the point where friends or peers begin to dislike you. The accuracy of your cosplay character isn’t worth losing a friendship over!

Acting like a character from your favorite anime or manga can be fun, but set some limits. Don't go crazy and completely copy the character; instead, balance it out with your own personality.

"Dere" character types are usually female, but they can be applied to males as well.

Remember that not everybody knows your anime so don't push them to join in on the fun.

Warnings

There will be people who will eventually get annoyed with this. Be prepared to deal with some who do not understand what you're into. It's good to stick up for what you believe in, but avoid conflicts as much as possible. After all, people are free and have a right to disagree, as do you with them. Stay calm and remain polite and friendly about the situation.

There is a big possibility that you will be called weeaboo or a poser if you act like the character all the time. Understand and realize the limits.

Never take a weapon or weapon look-alikes to school or work.

Make sure that the personality of the anime character will not harm your image of yourself or damage your relationships.

If you want to act like a tsundere anime or manga character, stay calm and collected all the time – except when you’re around someone you like. When you’re by your crush, act embarrassed or mean to hide your feelings. Be sure to exaggerate any emotions you do express to stay true to the media, and try to develop some trademarks for your character. For example, you could have a go-to phrase for when you’re upset with someone, like “Baka,” which means “Idiot.” Scroll down to learn how to act like other types of characters, and how to imitate specific characters!

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Article Info

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 175 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Together, they cited 10 references. This article has also been viewed 551,714 times.